Groups & Ministries
There are a number of liturgical ministry opportunities: Altar Servers, Lectors, Cantors, Instrumentalists and Choir Members, Ushers and Greeters, Eucharistic Ministers and Funeral Ministers. Since ministry is a privilege and a responsibility from our baptism, ministers will be asked each year to recommit themselves if they wish to serve for another year. Training and ongoing formation opportunities will be provided. The following is a brief description of the liturgical ministries at Saint Pius X Parish:
Altar Servers assist the priest and Ministers of the Eucharist at Mass. Sometimes called "acolytes," they insure the smooth movement of the ritual elements of the celebration. We welcome parishioners who have received First Eucharist to consider this ministry. Training and peer mentoring is provided. Contact the Friary office at 860-347-4441 ().
Lectors proclaim the Word of God to the assembly during the Liturgy of the Word. Along with the Liturgy of the Eucharist this is one of the two hinges of the celebration of the Eucharist. Those who serve on weekends are scheduled according to their availability; those who serve on weekdays sign up as they are available. Both are essential to a vibrant parish community. Training and ongoing formation will be provided. Contact the Friary office at 860-347-4441 or speak with a parish staff member ().
Cantors lead the assembly in song. Their role is to help the assembly find its voice in the singing at the Eucharist. The music directors work individually with the cantors in preparing for liturgies. Contact Andrew Berezowski () for further information.
Choir Members – The choir serves to enhance the celebration by supporting the rest of the assembly's participation and offering occasional selections of inspiring well-prepared hymns and psalms. The choir sings at the 10:30 AM Sunday Mass and other special celebrations of the Eucharist from early September through the end of the Easter season and practices on Thursday evenings. Contact Andrew Berezowski () for further information.
Instrumentalists – The music ministry is always seeking instrumentalists who might be able to play with the choir on special occasions. Contact Andrew Berezowski () for further information.
Folk Group leads the singing at the 5:00 PM Vigil Mass each Saturday evening using guitars and other contemporary instruments. The group practices on Saturday afternoon at 3:30 PM. Contact Gail Saltus at 860-267-0202 () or speak with a parish staff member.
Youth Ensemble plays musical instruments and supports the singing at the monthly Youth Mass. The group meets at 4:00 PM prior to the Youth Mass to rehearse and prepare for the liturgy. All youth are encouraged to participate. Contact Bryan Niedermeyer at 860-670-7420 ().
Ushers and Greeters welcome those who come to attend a worship service at Saint Pius X. They assist in the good order of the services and serve as "ambassadors" of Saint Pius X Parish; they offer hospitality and make the first impression on visitors. Contact the Friary office at 860-347-4441 () or speak with a parish staff member.
Eucharistic Ministers distribute the Body and Blood of Christ at weekend and weekday celebrations of the Eucharist and on special occasions. Those who serve on weekends are scheduled according to their availability; those who serve on weekdays sign up as they are available.
In addition, some bring Communion to shut-ins at home and institutions; they are not necessarily scheduled for service at church. Eucharistic Ministers must be at least 18 years of age and fully initiated in the Catholic Church. Diocesan mandated training and ongoing formation will be provided. Contact the Friary office at 860-347-4441 ().
Funeral Ministers offer spiritual support to grieving families at the time of the funeral of a loved one. Along with the music ministers, they supply ministries (lectors, Eucharistic ministers, altar servers, etc) that the family and friends are not able to provide. It is necessary to be available during the daytime, especially mornings. The group will meet on occasion to pray for the deceased and reflect on their service. Training and ongoing formation will be provided. Contact the Friary office at 860-347-4441 ().
Youth Ministry – Open to all in the age group of Grades 6 - 8, Youth Ministry events are intended to provide a safe and inviting atmosphere where friendships are easily made. Regardless if the event is for service, fellowship, or just plain fun being a "tween", our goal is to grow as a group, closer to God and to one another. Please visit the Youth Ministry page for more information.
Peer Ministry – A Peer Minister is a High School student who desires to grow in their faith life, share their faith journey with others and strives to live a life in accordance with the gospel message of Jesus. Within Peer Ministry, you can feel safe from the peer pressure you might feel at school, develop leadership and organizational skills that will help in college, and broaden your horizons. Please visit the Peer Ministry page for more information.
Justice, Peace and Ecology – This ministry is inspired by the love of the Gospel and by the example of Saint Francis of Assisi, and led by the tradition of Catholic Social Justice teaching. For more information, contact Fr. Sam at the Friary office at 860-347-4441.
Rolling Deck Ministry – Rooted in Gospel values that affirm the dignity of every person, the Rolling Deck Ministry of Saint Pius X Church works collaboratively with parish leadership, other ministries, individuals and families affected by disabilities, and our church membership to explore our own humanity and to facilitate meaningful participation of people with disabilities in all aspects of the life of our church community. The goal is full inclusion of people with any type of disability in the Saint Pius X Church community by increasing awareness of God's presence in and love for ALL human beings, and putting faith info action by contemplating and responding to the needs of individuals and their families affected by disability. All are welcome to Rolling Deck Ministry meetings on the third Thursday of every month at 7:00 PM in the Bill Fortin Memorial Hall. (You do not need to have a disability or know anything about disabilities to participate.) For more information, please contact: Linda Rammler 860-349-2416 (Home) or 860-338-0615 (Cell/Work) () or call Fr. Sam at the Friary office at 860-347-4441.
Sanctity of Life – Contact Fr. Sam at the Friary office (860-347-4441).
Shepherd Home – On Sunday afternoons, twice per month, parishioners from Saint Pius X volunteer as cooks and servers for residents of the Shepherd Home, an organization which provides 18 months of transitional housing, with support services, in a drug-free environment, to approximately 70 men and women. Contact Janet Maune at 860-635-6007 or (Click for 2013 Schedule.)
Arts and Crafts – This group makes beautiful craft items to be sold at the "Sleigh Bells Ring" holiday fair in November. It meets Tuesday evenings from 7:00 - 9:00 PM in the craft room in the Friary, from April to the date of the fair. They are always looking for helpers and ideas. Engage your artistic and craft making skills to make objects from scratch for all ages and all Holidays. All things start from an idea and go through a process of imaginative exploration to emerge as a well-crafted idea. Contact Boni Dean at 860-344-0119, or Rita Caron at 860-632-2375.
Auction – This group is involved in organizing and running the Annual Goods and Services Auction held in the Spring. The auction includes a buffet dinner, silent auction, and a live auction. Contact Maureen Chmielecki at 860-205-5959.
Men's Club – The Men's Club provides a means for adult male members of the parish to become active in parish activities, and also to get to know one another on a social level. Most Men's Club activities are geared toward family, especially children, and include: an Easter Egg Hunt, Breakfasts, Family Bingo Night, Irish Night, and trips to Minor League baseball games, and golf tournaments. New ideas for activities are always welcome! Contact Vin Stifano at 860-347-3523 ().
Secular Franciscians is a fraternity that is a part of the Secular Franciscan Order within the Franciscan Family. The members of the Secular Franciscan Order strive to live the Gospel in the manner of Saint Francis by spreading the Gospel by word and example in their homes, at work, and in their parishes. Contact Mike Fortier at 203-679-2214.
S.H.A.R.E. – The S.H.A.R.E. ministry stands for "Sharing, Helping, And Reaching, Everyone" at Saint Pius X Church. This ministry is an outreach program that began in September 1998. They provide Saint Pius X parishioners with the opportunity to have the ministry host a reception following a funeral in the Bill Fortin Memorial hall. They provide a buffet consisting of sandwiches, salads, desserts and beverages. In the winter months, they provide a hot buffet for bereaved families. The S.H.A.R.E. ministry meets 5 - 6 times a year. Contact Connie Tillotta at 860-347-5860.